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US 2006/0142760 A1Published application
Methods and apparatus for modular and variable spinal fixation
AssigneeStryker Spine
InventorChristopher McDonnell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for the stabilization of the human spine using rods or plates having variable shapes and mechanical properties over their length. The rods or plates may be made up of various segments, each having different properties such as different flexibilities.
Claims16
A spinal rod, comprising:
- a lower segment having a lower cross-section;
- an intermediate segment in communication with said lower segment, and having an intermediate cross-section and an axis;
- and
- an upper segment in communication with said intermediate segment,.and having an upper cross-section;
- wherein
- at least one of said segments has a different degree of flexibility than at least one of said other segments.
3 more elements
A spinal rod comprising:
- a lower uniform cylindrical segment having a lower cross-section;
- an intermediate segment having a first, a second, and a third cross-section, said intermediate segment in communication with said lower segment at said first cross-section;
- and
- an upper uniform cylindrical segment in communication with said third cross-section of said intermediate segment;
- wherein
- said lower, intermediate, and upper segments are substantially coaxial;
- said first and third cross-sections are substantially similar;
- said lower cross-section is not substantially similar to said first cross-section;
- and
- said upper cross-section is not substantially similar to said third cross-section.
7 more elements
A method of spinal fixation, comprising:
- inserting a plurality of screws into at least three vertebral bodies of a spine such that the screws open at least two disc spaces;
- providing a spinal rod having a plurality of segments that exhibit different properties of flexibility;
- and
- connecting the spinal rod to the plurality of screws in such a manner that the rod spans the at least two disc spaces whereby at least one disc space is associated with a segment of the rod having a different degree of flexibility than at least one other segment of the rod as associated with-another disc space.
1 more element
A pedicle screw system comprising:
- (a) A spinal rod, comprising:
- (i) a lower segment having a lower cross-section;
- (ii) an intermediate segment in communication with said lower segment, and having an intermediate cross-section and an axis;
- and
- (iii) an upper segment in communication with said intermediate segment, and having an upper cross-section;
- wherein at least one of said segments has a different degree of flexibility than at least one of said other segments;
- and
- (b) at least three fasteners associated with rod-receiving coupling elements for receiving said spinal rod;
- wherein said fasteners, said rod-receiving coupling elements, and said rods are fixable together.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.